Policymaking in European healthy cities

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Policy
• Urban Planning

Background:

• The World Health Organization (WHO) European Healthy Cities Network aims to improve urban health.
• Assessing the effectiveness of policy development within this network is crucial for public health advancement.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate policy development processes within the WHO European Healthy Cities network.
• To identify factors contributing to the success of local health policy initiatives.

Main Methods:

• A realist synthesis methodology was employed, integrating data from case studies, questionnaires, and statistical databases.
• Theory-based evaluation principles and non-response analyses were utilized to ensure data reliability and validity.

Main Results:

• European Healthy Cities demonstrate success in developing cross-sectoral local health policies.
• Initiatives effectively addressed complex challenges related to equity, governance, and participation, particularly in Healthy Urban Planning.
• Strong local leadership, bolstered by international collaboration and WHO stewardship, drives policy change.

Conclusions:

• WHO's structured approach to the Healthy City Network, including designation and thematic guidance, significantly supports successful local policy development.
• International collaboration and WHO leadership are vital for empowering local health policy advancements in European cities.